Buyer’s Guide: Public Speaking Coaching vs. Courses
Ed Darling
6 min read
What you’ll learn:
- The difference between courses, coaching, and programmes.
- In-person public speaking training vs virtual learning.
- How Project Charisma’s training can boost your confidence.
Your path to confident public speaking.
Want to ace your next talk, pitch, or presentation?
Whether you’re battling nerves or aiming to polish your delivery, you’ve got three main options:
- Public Speaking Courses
- Public Speaking 1-1 Coaching
- Training Programmes
Each option can transform your skills, but the right choice depends on your goals, experience, and lifestyle.
Having overcome my own public speaking fears, I’ve coached countless others through theirs. This guide breaks down the differences clearly, with practical advice to help you decide.
Let’s dive in. No fluff, just the good stuff!
1. Courses vs. Coaching: How It Works
Your experience and how you learn best shape which public speaking option suits you: Are you new to speaking, somewhat experienced, or a pro with a big goal?
Here’s how each path fits and what it’s like in practice:
Public Speaking Courses:
Great for beginners or intermediates. These workshops — typically half-day or full-day — let you practice speaking in front of a small group, building confidence in a supportive setting.
You’ll get hands-on experience and group feedback, ideal for facing fears quickly. Our Speak & Present 1-Day Masterclass limits groups to 6 for focused attention, with in-person or virtual sessions available.
Public Speaking Coaching:
Suited for experienced speakers or those prepping for a specific high-stakes talk, like a pitch or keynote. One-on-one sessions, virtual or in-person, are fully tailored to your needs — content, delivery, or strategy.
It’s a collaborative process, perfect for deep skill-building over weeks or months, though you’ll need separate opportunities for live audience practice.
Public Speaking Coaching Programmes:
A comprehensive choice for any level, blending group workshops, 1-to-1 coaching, and community support.
Our Charismatic Speaker Programme runs for 3 months, with twice-weekly group training calls, unlimited virtual 1-to-1 coaching, and in-person workshops every other month. The group dynamic and personal focus drive faster progress.
Key Considerations:
- Courses give group energy and live practice but less individual focus.
- Coaching offers bespoke guidance but no built-in audience practice.
- Programmes combine both, with a community for added momentum.
Pick based on your needs: a quick confidence boost with group practice (courses), targeted prep with personal attention (coaching), or a full transformation with both (programmes).
Ready to speak with confidence?
Explore our training options...
2. Public Speaking Courses vs Coaching: Timing and Availability
When it comes to picking the best training option, your schedule matters. Here’s how each option fits into your life:
Public Speaking Courses:
These are half-day, full-day, or 2-day events with set dates. If the timing works, they’re a fast way to build skills. Our Masterclass runs a few times a year, so you’ll need to plan ahead. If a big talk is imminent, the dates might not align.
Public Speaking Coaching:
Flexible and built around you. Book sessions weekly, biweekly, or as needed, virtual or in-person (like at our Manchester office). It’s ideal for urgent prep or steady growth over months.
Public Speaking Coaching Programmes:
Require a bigger commitment — typically 2–6 months — but provide ongoing support. Our Charismatic Speaker Programme includes regular group calls, 1-to-1 sessions, and in-person workshops every other month. You’ll need to dedicate time, but the structure is designed to offer flexibility for busy schedules.
Key Considerations:
- Courses are a one-off commitment but less flexible.
- Coaching adapts to your diary, perfect for tight schedules.
- Programmes need consistent effort but balance group and personal sessions.
Got a packed calendar? 1-1 Coaching sessions will offer you the greatest flexibility. Want a quick skill boost? Check course dates. Looking for a more long-term transformation? A programme fits.
3. Public Speaking Courses vs Coaching: Cost and Value
Budget’s a key factor. Here’s the industry average (not our exact prices):
Public Speaking Courses:
£300-1,000/person. They’re cost-effective for a one-off, but avoid large-group “cash-cow” workshops with minimal feedback, and too many attendees. Our Masterclass caps at 6 for maximum value.
Public Speaking Coaching:
£200-500/session. More expensive, but more personalised, and especially useful for long-term growth or specific speech prep. Check on in-person vs. virtual options.
Public Speaking Coaching Programmes:
£2,000-5,000, usually with a 2-6 month commitment. A larger investment, but you typically get more training time for your money. With a mixture of group training, 1-1 coaching, and community support.
Key Considerations:
- Courses offer quick value but less depth.
- Coaching is a tailored investment for specific goals.
- Programmes bundle everything for comprehensive results.
4. The Hybrid Solution: Charismatic Speaker Programme
Our Charismatic Speaker Programme is a 3-month training course for professionals who want to master public speaking.
Having spent many years running our 1-Day Masterclass, 1-1 coaching sessions, and corporate team training, we wanted to offer something that had the best of everything.
The programme includes:
- Unlimited virtual 1-to-1 coaching calls (plus options in-person coaching sessions).
- Twice-weekly group training calls for practice and feedback.
- In-person workshops every other month to test your skills live.
- A community of ambitious learners, who you can develop alongside.
While we offer standalone courses and coaching, this programme combines the best of both for maximum impact.
Ready to feel confident while speaking in public?
Join our next 1-Day Public Speaking Masterclass
5. Choosing Your Public Speaking Trainer
The trainer makes all the difference. With so many options out there, make sure to ask:
- What do their public speaking courses or coaching cover?
- What’s their own public speaking experience and background?
- How will they work with you to ensure you achieve the desired outcome?
Public speaking training is something where trust is key. There needs to be a great working relationship between client and coach.
The best place to start? It’s having an open and honest conversation. That’s why we recommend anyone who’s interested in working with us, to first book in a free 30-minute Introduction Call.
We use this time to understand your goals, your challenges, and to figure out which training option might make the best fit.
If that sounds good, you’re welcome to book in a call with me here.
6. Your Next Step in Public Speaking
No option is “best” — it’s about what suits you.
Need a quick confidence boost? Try a public speaking course.
Want tailored growth? Choose public speaking coaching.
Seeking comprehensive change? Join a public speaking coaching programme.
Whatever you pick, you’re on your way to owning the room. Here’s to your public speaking success!
Your next step: Public speaking courses, or coaching?
It’s less about “best” and more about you.
Want fast, hands-on growth? Book a course or workshop.
Deeper, tailored polish? Join a coaching programme.
Either way, you’re on your way to owning that room.
Here’s to your public speaking success,
Ed
